Standings via MLB.com

New York Yankees
Despite a streak of four losses in Oakland, the Yanks are sitting in first place with an average at a high .600, second in the majors only to the Texas Rangers who currently boast .602. The Yankees will face the Mariners in Seattle, and their goofy guy Nick Swisher will be missed, as he rests a hip flexor strain sustained last Friday against the Athletics.
Superstar-All-Star-Call-Him-What-You-Will Robinson Cano’s impressive 23-game hitting streak came to a close on an oh-fer-4 night in Oakland, and though some may blame “shadows” for some poor moves by both teams, Cano claims no excuses. Honesty is always the best policy.

For more on the Yankees, visit Second Place Is Not An Option.

Baltimore Orioles
If the Yanks are in the AL East dust pan after this weekend, it must be the Orioles who stole the brooms from the janitorial closet. The O’s took three games from the Indians and are looking to sweep with Monday night’s performance.
The Orioles acquired infielder Omar Quintanilla from the New York Mets in exchange for cash considerations, and OF Steven Pearce was designated for assignment. Quintanilla’s .933 fielding percentage should boost the Orioles where they lack at second base, since both Brian Robets and Robert Andino have joined the ranks of the disabled.

For more on the Orioles, visit Charm City Yakyuu.

Tampa Bay Rays
Well, the Rays were the only AL East team not coming off a streak, sweep, or near-sweep. So much for getting that memo, guys. What did happen? DH Luke Scott was assigned to the 15-day disabled list on Saturday for back tightness, and so Godzilla, I mean, um, Hideki Matsui, should see more time at the plate.
Tampa Bay pitching was on fire this weekend, and set a team record of 32 strikeouts in two consecutive games. And if it is any indication of their aces, the Rays lead the majors with 92 Ks since the Midsummer Classic.

For more on the Rays, visit Cowbell Clankers.

Toronto Blue Jays
Let it be known: the Jays swept Boston, and at a time when they needed it most. All-Star and Torontonian hero, Jose Bautista, landed on the 15-Day DL with a wrist injury incurred while at bat.
The Jays were involved in a massive 10-man trade with the Houston Astros last week in an attempt to round out their pitching staff, which has been plagued by injury thus far this season. And meat-eaters will rejoice to hear that their good friend Travis Snider has been called up from Las Vegas.

For more on the Blue Jays, visit Way Of The Jay

Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox lost a critical series to the Toronto Blue Jays, with whom they have been vying to remain out of the 5-hole on the leaderboard. But after the sweep, the Sox are back to being the low men of the AL-East totem pole.
According to Manager Bobby Valentine, pitcher Andrew Bailey should start a rehab assignment in one week, and Scott Atchison should start his Minor League assignment on Friday, and return to Boston for the series that begins July 30 when the Tigers come to town.

For more on the Red Sox, visit Fenway Fatales